KARIM BENZEMA made an explosive start to his new career as 60,000 fans welcomed him to Al-Ittihad with a spectacular fireworks display.
The current Ballon d’Or holder left Real Madrid in favour of a mega-bucks deal in Saudi Arabia.
The Frenchman was greeted a chorus of cheers as he was revealed in front of a packed stadium.
Benzema was hidden in the darkness before his stunning unveiling.
Once the lights erupted on, he was then seen wearing the colours of Al-Ittihad – and with a No9 on his back.
The outfit beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to the Saudi League title by five points.
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Benzema, 35, was reportedly offered a staggering £342million to swap Spain for the Middle East.
And after a 14-year stay at the Bernabeu, Benzema opted to call time on his career with the Spanish giants.
Discussing his reasons for the move, he said last night: “Because I am Muslim and it’s a Muslim country. I’ve always wanted to live there. I’ve already been to Saudi Arabia and I feel good about it.
“To me it’s where I want to be. I hope for my new club, what I’ll be able to bring is my football and most importantly to be able to win titles.”
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In addition to his playing contract, Benzema is expected to receive extra fees to promote Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid.
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Real Madrid will host an “act of tribute and farewell” on Tuesday, with club president Florentino Perez in attendance.
Benzema won four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues and three Copa del Reys during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.
He scored 354 goals in 648 appearances for the Spanish giants, also laying on 165 assists.
Benzema moving to the Middle East on a reported three-year deal comes after Ronaldo said he was “1000 per cent sure that many more players will” join him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
